The Ribwort Plantain

 

(Nonsuch Park, Summer 2015)

Unassuming, most lowly of plants

edged out by the dazzle of buttercups,

the startling white of campion.

A survivor, not showy but strong,

a  stayer pushing up drab flowers        

from a rosette of speared leaves.

Accordingly, drives down tough roots,    

colonising field margins, hemming

path edges, mingling in meadows.

So, here it is - rashly consorting

with silken poppies, showy orchids,

the dancing grasses, red clover -
 

but not to be outdone, unwraps
an ethereal halo, a fragile wreath
of creamy anthers  -  its surprise package.


Sue Burley
2015

    

.............. Now that it is nearing mid-summer, and the wild flowers are luxuriant and colourful, the insects are out in abundance.
One of my favourites is the Hover Fly, which true to its name hangs above any plant. And even when reading in the garden, often can be seen from the corner of ones eye, darting one way then the other.


The Hover Fly

Only when the sun shines

the hover fly, tiger striped

                                        waits.

Then, friendly, in your face,

                                         homes in

quietly hums and hangs

in mid-air
                                         static,

except for the glimmer of wings.

Without due warning freefalls

and plummets

on an invisible current

                                          of air.

Crashlands on the meadowsweet
                                           to feed.


Sue Burley

'The Hover Fly', is published in the Summer 2015
issue of 'The Dawntreader' poetry  magazine.